Assyrian Empire
The Assyrian Empire (Wikipedia), spanned a wide period of history from about 2500 BC until its final defeat in 605 BC at the Battle of Carchemish. The period relevant to biblical history is that of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, dating from 911 BC to 605 BC. At its height, this empire covered Eastern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, parts of Iran, and the northern kingdom of Israel (excluding Judah).
In 732 BC, the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel, and deported many Israelites as captives, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 5:26 and 2 Kings 15:29. Later, in 722 BC, the capital city of Samaria was captured after a three year siege and the remaining Israelites were deported to Assyria (see Wikipedia-Assyrian Captivity), as recorded in 2 Kings 17 and 18. These northern tribes never returned to Israel and are now referred to as the Lost Ten Tribes.
In several end-time prophecies, the Antichrist is referred to as 'the Assyrian' (e.g. Isaiah 10:5 and Micah 5:5), indicating that he will emerge from this region. His other titles include King of Babylon and Pharaoh, indicating that he will also rule over those regions.
The following map shows how the empire expanded over time:
In several end-time prophecies, the Antichrist is referred to as 'the Assyrian' (e.g. Isaiah 10:5 and Micah 5:5), indicating that he will emerge from this region. His other titles include King of Babylon and Pharaoh, indicating that he will also rule over those regions.
The following map shows how the empire expanded over time:
Place tags: Assyrian Empire, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Israel